My First Christmas in Heaven - A Tim H Mills Tradition

15 years ago in 1998 at the passing of my Grandfather Clarence Hobert Mills, a great friend of mine attempted to reach out and minister to me during his passing. He attempted to accomplish this by sending me the poem My First Christmas in Heaven. I had never seen the poem before, or heard it recited prior to this experience. The fact of its impact on my life is as such that this is year 16 for me to share it in my column as we celebrate this Christmas Season. Traditions are a very important of family activities and the loss of a family member is a big interruption to the which was easily predictable because of our loved ones presence. It is my prayer for each person that has lost a loved one in 2013 that this poem will bring the comfort I received when I read it for the very first time. I also pray that My First Christmas in Heaven will be an encouragement to you spiritually. I pray that your Christian Faith will be lifted from the burden of your loss so that you will see the love, mercy and grace that is extended by a loving Savior named Jesus Christ, who happens to also be my Lord. Heaven is a place of many unique characteristics. All pain and suffering is gone. All despair and lost hope is restored as your Christian faith becomes alive meeting the creator face to face. All your questions are immediately answered by simply walking through the gates of that City. The Bible says that we will be known as we are known. I can't imagine the reunions that take place when loved ones are reunited in a chorus of praise to Jesus Christ for his unspeakable gifts. Accept this poem this year, as a gift from Him. A gift of encouragement, a gift of love and a gift of hope and peace. Until then My First Christmas in Heaven, I see the countless Christmas Trees Around the world below, with tiny lights, like Heaven's Stars, reflecting on the snow The sight is so spectacular, please wipe away the tear, For I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year. I hear the many Christmas songs that people hold so dear, But the sounds of music can't compare with the Christmas choir up here I have no words to tell you, the joy their voices bring. For it is beyond description to hear the angels sing. I know how much you miss me, I see the pain inside your heart, but I am not so far away, we really aren't apart. So be happy for me, dear ones, you know I hold you dear and be glad I'm spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

Listen to the words in the Songs

It is Christmas Time and there is nothing like singing carols or the songs of the season. For those of you who say "wait, I can't sing", ok please whistle your holiday joys to those you are around and passing by as you walk, traveling and move. If you are someone who says, "sorry I can't even whistle", then please hum loudly or grab a kazoo. A kazoo will be annoying but don't worry it will be tolerable since this is the Christmas Season. I love music, I love the carols and the hymns of faith that describe the anticipation of the birth of the baby Jesus into the world, and I love the songs of expression because of his birth. I can get really excited singing "Joy to the World--the Lord has come". A great hymn of faith that the long awaited answer or solution to our problems had finally arrived. If you want to do something different with that song I strongly recommend you keep the tune as it is and just replace the words with the words from Amazing Grace. The tune and words fit perfectly and you might just create a new family tradition with this rendition of song and music. Sometimes if we are not careful in the hustle of the season we can get in the habit of just singing the songs and not taking time to reflect upon the words. Each year I discover another truth that for whatever reason had passed me by previously. There are several phrases from songs that can be a very powerful tools that we can individually use to strengthen our personal walk with the Lord Jesus Christ. Take for instance the phrase "His law is love and His gospel is peace". Immediately upon hearing that line I am struck by how easy it seems for Christians to get lost in what we should be about and how the world should perceive us as Christians. Being a Christian that demonstrates love can be challenging, but it should be something that is very easy to flip the switch on too. We should be described as a people of love. Imagine what would happen in our churches if we made love the staple of our work, and profession in Him. Don't just think about the impact of that type of demonstration of love in the church, but think about what would happen outside the church. This my friend is where the work remains to be completed. Think about that express his gospel is peace. Let's look at this happening just inside the church. I've witnessed those who serve as pastor and other leadership positions be asked to leave, or as we say "run off". What would happen of the gospel of peace was the rule of thumb for whatever the situation?...now we are taking a totally different attitude, reaction and response. I venture to say fewer churches would be 'splitting' and agreeing to disagree with a commitment to get His will done would totally change our churches on the inside. In Christendom we often find those depressed, or maybe I should say oppressed, but nevertheless we find Christians that are defeated, unable to smile and have lost their hope and by their actions many times their faith it appears. There is a phrase in our Christmas tunes that says because Jesus Christ came "our soul felt it worth". WOW, forgive me if the words appearing on this page appear to be preaching, but please note my words are preaching in attitude for sure! How about our souls feeling their worth? How many times in the last 39 days did you need to feel worthy? How many times in the last 45 days have you felt lost or displaced in the scheme of things. I am totally confident that individuals reading this newspaper column right now need to feel more "self-worth". We need to be reminded, inside ourselves, that the Master and Creator has a plan for our lives. There is a purpose for things and we need to work to be alert to spot this opportunity to fill up our personal energy tanks and our spirit tanks with worth! Only Jesus Christ is able to provide you, me, we, us with worth. Worth can only be given away by someone that is worthy. This Christmas I want to encourage you to read the words you are singing or to thing about the expressions you are hearing. It is more than likely possible you will pick up something that will change you all-together and completely. Until then

UK Basketball-March 28, 1992; UK Football November 29, 2002; Alabama-Auburn November 30, 2013 "Christmas can come early"

I know this is the month of December and we are just a couple weeks away from Christmas, but I must return to November 30, 2013 of this year. With all the Christmas music playing, the trees decorated, presents being wrapped for some, Christmas might have come early. When we look at history there are many who often ask the question, where would you when? This question is often referenced to events like the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Where were you when Neil Armstrong walked on the moon in 1969? Most were glued to a black & white television somewhere to see the history as it was recorded. The assassination attempt on the life of President Ronald Reagan, just the numbers 9-11 cause people to reflect. These dates are important in American History and we should remember them for the significant they each represent. In this column today I am writing about sports history. I am writing about Christmas coming in November 2013. Let me share a couple dates and test your memory. Where were you on March 28, 1992? It is difficult to not provide you the answer so close to the question while writing but this is the day that the University of Kentucky Wildcats were playing in the 1992 NCAA East Regional and loss the basketball game to Duke. Christian Laettner, I am pretty sure that some in the Big Blue Nation might even think I have just typed cuss words with his name. Alex Wolf who writes for Sports Illustrated described the BBN after this loss as in “mass post-traumatic stress disorder”. I think there are many still being treated personally. For University of Kentucky Football fans how about the date November 29, 2002. This is the moment that Kentucky Football was only 2 seconds away from defeating LSU at Commonwealth Stadium and that Hail Mary pass was thrown by LSU and the rest is history. The UK fans were already posed and ready to storm the field. The Kentucky Football Coach Guy Morris had been doused with a cooler of water celebrating the perceived win, but a win for Wildcats fans it would not be. So what are you thinking when you see the date November 30, 2013? I am going to figure that sports fans are thinking already about that Alabama Auburn Football game. A field goal attempt that was returned for a touchdown, handing Alabama a defeat and Auburn the win of a lifetime against their in-state rival. I am pretty sure that for every Auburn fan in the world, Christmas came early this year! Nothing like Christmas in November! It is amazing how good we can feel when our sports teams win and how horrible we feel when a game we should have won is loss. Celebration to heartache in a matter of seconds is a roller coaster. Realizing that the time on the clock has expired and that there is not even one second left to attempt to correct an error or fix the situation can be so defeating in one’s spirit. “If only we could have”, is no doubt the expression of many in situations like these. Christmas coming early is the discovery of a surprise. The unexpected happening. A moment you didn’t anticipate and a gift that you had not planned on receiving could be ways to appropriately describe an early Christmas as it relates to presents and gifts. For Christians we see Christmas as a gift too. The whole reason that Jesus was born was so that you and I could receive the gift of eternal life, which includes forgiveness of sins. When I was growing up singing in a choir, one of my favorite songs we sang was “Love Came Down at Christmas”. Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. The moment of his birth had long been predicted throughout history in writing, since the beginning of time. The unique thing about Christmas is that it can come early. There is no need to wait to experience the gift of Christmas. You don’t have to wait until Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. You can have Christmas any day of the year, at any hour, of any day too. Sports fans want to win every game. They want their teams to go undefeated year after year. There are some teams that certainly do have winning seasons and years that teams do go undefeated. Those who participate in sports either as players or fans know that along with winning comes losing. There is one thing for certain. Christmas can come early for you to, all you have to do is ask Jesus Christ into your heart. Until then

Why and What about America

So if I were to ask you what defines a holiday what answer would you give? How would you describe in words what or when a holiday occurs? There could be a question you might want to ask off at the beginning through a clarification by asking what holidays am I even writing about? To clear this up here are the official holidays of the United States Government: New Year’s Day; Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.; President George Washington’s Birthday; Memorial Day; Independence Day; Labor Day; Columbus Day; Veterans Day; Thanksgiving Day; and we have remaining in 2013 Christmas Day, December 25th. Each of these holidays are different. New Year’s Day is unique for the United States because the beginning of the calendar year is celebrated differently by some countries. I never have worried a great deal about this fact or thought much at all about it, except to know I am an American and for me New Year’s Day will always signify a new year. What defines the holiday for me is a big ball that drops in the City of New York. I realize that other cities also have countdown, for instance in Nashville, Tennessee they drop a big guitar. In Key West, Florida they have a big shoe that drops on the island celebrating New Year’s. For most, the iconic symbol in New York City signifies the moment each year. The Birthday of Marin Luther King, Jr., is marked by citizens marching carrying banners about freedom and equality. Politicians and most notably preachers will be giving speeches about civil rights, lessons about a period in history that is wished we could be erase, and the defining symbol is remembering the speech “I have a Dream” from the Washington Mall. Our first President, George Washington, who was inaugurated in New York City in April 30, 1789, gets a federal holiday. This moment is most easily thought of by thinking about those “wigs” yes, the men in that day were distinguished by the “wigs” they wore in moments of pomp and circumstance. Sadly this day has been over taken by the retail world and our nations salute in part is celebrated by mattress sales and other retail discounts. This should not be the case in my opinion, but it is. In this article I have just written a fact that I venture to say most American’s are not even aware of. That is, where the first inauguration was held. No it was not Washington, D.C. All the more reason to make this moment a much more celebrated historical event of importance. Memorial Day is defined by flowers, gravesides, visits to memorials honoring those who gave their life for our country and our loved ones who have passed into eternal life. This holiday is a solemn event celebrated by ceremonies and images of dignitary’s placing wreaths signify our respect for their sacrifice. Memorial Day is very personal for me because of our family’s tradition and manner in which we honor our loved ones and those that served our nation. Independence Day is maybe the easiest of all for someone to describe in words. Fireworks, fireworks, and did I mention fireworks. Labor Day is that September holiday that has lost her meaning to most American’s. For many it is a sign that summer has ended. It is last minute trips or breaks to get away that family take advantage of. The retail world also love this holiday. It is defined for some by the advertising circulars that promote the best sale of the year, outside of a ‘Black Friday’ moment. It is important to honor Labor Day and personally I think it is a great opportunity to remind Americans that how we became the nation we are is through labor. People worked. Dreamed vision, had ideas and dedicated themselves to build industry through ideas, and yes Labor in the building of America was blood, sweat, and tears. Columbus Day is now another retail holiday with the exception for those where these early historical event took place. Veterans Day has regained a national prominence in our salute to those that served and serve. Our understanding of their sacrifice has brought renewed appreciation and much deserved respect. The Thanksgiving Season is easy to identify. Not so much by the images of pilgrims anymore but more so by the thought of turkey. Thanksgiving is my favorite time of the year and the shortest lived holiday by many American’s because of the over shadowing of the people’s celebration of Halloween and the other approaching holiday, Christmas The retail world floods the market place and Thanksgiving is now seen as kick-off of 27 days of sales mania. The next holiday to be celebrated is Christmas. No denying the spiritual or religious connection, although some do and will. Christmas is easily defined by symbols. The evergreen to begin with, the poinsettia plant, and yes, the manger scene with the baby Jesus in a cradle. The one things that quickly defines the season of Christmas is without a doubt music. You will hear it everywhere and for millions of American’s the music is Christmas. Our nation is unique and I love living here! The most important part of our country is not our holiday’s but rather it is our freedoms. This first week of December has begun. The final days of the year are in countdown and we should not neglect to remember why or what makes America who she is. Until then

Jacob Voges, Clay Greene, Cody Fee, - Future "Thanks-Giving"

I am confident that by now you know or understand I have a strong attachment to the theme of “Thanks-Giving”. There are so many things about the season and this time of the year that I just love. Having the opportunity to reflect and think back about this year and my lifetime, the experiences I have had, the people I have met, the places I’ve been and the books I have read are always good for me, and I hope you have enjoyed my thoughts of “Thanks-Giving” 2013. One of the things I really like about life is meeting people. I enjoy sharing stories and applying the “Six Degrees of Separation” theory is also a lot of fun for me. My final “Thanks-Giving” of 2013 is all about a single moment of “Six Degrees of Separation” involving three juniors from Middlesboro High School in Bell County, Kentucky. They are: Jacob Voges; Clay Green; and Cody Fee; These three are all juniors and are all straight ‘A’ students too. The setting is a crazy one, and I learned a long time ago the best thing to do with life is make the best of it, wherever you are. I was on top of a mountain, with thousands of 4-wheelers riding around, and folks from everywhere. I should mention there was a lot of dust and me, I was selling hotdogs! I saw friends from Laurel County, Harlan, Whitley, Rockcastle,and cousins from Knox County. Folks were from Claiborne County, Tennessee, and I met people I didn’t know from Indiana, Georgia and even Michigan. They had gathered for a “Hollor Crawler” event or it was called something like that and we were all on Mountain Drive off of U.S. 119 in Bell County. It was here that I met Jacob, Clay and Cody. After standing on feet, on gravels, I discovered a need to make this task of selling hotdogs fun and I had started speaking and even singing a little jingle I had made up. “Hot Dogs, Chips and a Soda $5., best deal on the hill and I will even squirt the mustard”. Most folks would listen, laugh & smile, and yes, I did sold a lot of mountain specials too. It was my way of having fun, and I considered it a challenge to get the attention of some folks and to see if I could get them to smile. It was during my routine that I spotted these three, Jacob, Clay and Cody. The skinniest of the three (I would later learn to be Jacob) responded to my little jingle with “man I would love a hotdog but I am broke, I don’t have any money”. It was then my Christian compassion set in and thinking he and his friends might starve to death I said ok, come on over and I will pay for it. The conversation was free flowing then, we were smiling and laughing and I was having a blast, and I’m pretty sure they were too. It was then, the theory of “Six Degrees of Separation” kicked in. We older folks know what the first questions we ask of a young person, “Who is your parents”? “Where are you from”. I am pretty sure most teenagers understand and immediately are sizing us up as old and outdated. Such as maybe the case, nevertheless I was going to use this moment of fun to meet three new folks in this big world and this journey called life, and I am glad I did. I am including them as a part of my “Thanks-Giving” because of the experience. Now when I write that Jacob was the skinny one, he is. Later when I met his father I said do you all feed this kid at home, looks like he’s starving. You should know we were laughing at great levels of fun knowing I was pretty sure he was being fed at home but was just a bean pole in size. I should share that my impression was that he was a smart bean pole and was keeping up with conversation, questions, and we were having a lot of fun. In the rapid fire conversation we were connecting on all kinds of fronts. From his German background to his parents work, and even on food, it was connection time. Clay Green was not excluded from the conversation. He was laughing and he has a great sense of humor and love for good fun too. You know how we are here in the mountains. When you discover that you have connections for distant cousins, you claim kin. I did with Clay, naming him my new found cousin because of the Green Family and a connection with cousins of mine. I connected with Cody Fee because of my love for a Route 44 Limeade from Sonic! It could be that Cody is the smartest one out of the three since he had a job, was working and had cash. I’ll leave that debate for these three to hammer out later. Jacob, Clay and Cody make my list of “Thanks-Giving” because they represent the best of young people. They are bright, intelligent, fun, can carry on a conversation, have opinions, can debate and they too were seizing a single moment of life, making the best of it. That was impressive to me. I haven’t seen them sense, and may never see them again, but I hope not. I look forward to writing 20 years from now about their successes and when I met them on a mountain top. Until then.

"Thanks-Giving" Finding thanks in the difficult & challenging times

During the month of November I have been taking time with each newspaper column to write about my personal “Thanks-Giving”. It is a time of reflection to be thankful for those that have made a difference in my life. The difference could be for some a lifelong difference or it could also be as simple as a passing moment in time. When you and I are in the mode of practicing “Thanks-Giving” there is a tendency to sometimes avoid discussion or mention of things that were not so pleasant. Maybe the memories are hurtful, or it is a sore spot that you just rather not mention. Often when we are giving thanks we believe that is should be all the positive stuff and again we avoid the mention of situations or events that were challenging or difficult to get through. I believe that in order to receive the best out of being a person of “Thanks-Giving” you and I should also not negligent finding the positive or things that should cause us to be appreciative and grateful even if the thanks comes from this type of situation. In the United States there is a massive debate about when life begins. The opposing sides have two different takes on life. Pro-Life believes that life begins at conception. Pro-Choice believes that abortion is an acceptable practices and each side sees the other and their belief as totally unacceptable. I share this because I have had to be both practical and realistic in the midst of dreams and prayers. In my marriage my wife and I wanted to be parents. I have always wanted to be a ‘biological’ father. To be honest with you, discussing responsibilities in a totally scientific realm is not exactly easy. For any couple that has desired to be parents and raise a child, the tendency is to discuss this in terms of love and words that describe humanity and relationships, not scientific descriptions where there is no attachment or connection. Losing a child prematurely or if you describe it as a loss pregnancy is a devastating experience to those involved. To the awaiting community at-large, a baby shower or birth announcement is the anticipation but this type of experience leave a total disconnect. The end of life or a pregnancy is normally held deep within and with a hushed silence as if not speaking about it will make the situation change or go away. This experience in life is one that we avoid talking about at all cost and attempting to find “Thanks-Giving” out of the situation is one that I had to explore in order to be able to smile again, keep a happy face and the strength to press on. I found plenty of moments to celebrate life and “Thanks-Giving” because of the experience but it was not easy. I give thanks for the experience of the excitement of the news we were pregnant. There is nothing in the world like that news! Thanks for photos of a baby, or life. Listening to a heartbeat is something to be thankful for. When despair and even depression set in, finding a way to say thanks is the ultimate challenge. Finding a way to say thanks for fleeting moments requires work and commitment. The loss of a single life is difficult, the loss of twins is added hurt and pain. Finding joy, and appreciate for the experience is not an easy road to travel but the experience of finding thanks is life changing. To be a ‘biological’ parent is awesome, I applaud all that are and I thank God you have what scripture calls a “blessing” in your life. I pray you are thankful and realize the gift you have been given. My experience and witness in life is that so many who are ‘biological’ parents seem to have so little appreciation for the gift God gave them. Counting my blessings and naming them might not include the scientific term ‘biological’, and honestly that is ok with me, I never enjoyed studying biology anyway. However, if you are willing to travel a different road, a road that others might avoid it could that it is there you will find ‘blessings’, I know I did. Stepping into a life by invitation to be “father” is an opportunity that creates plenty of “Thanks-Giving”. I am confident that if we each take time to talk about the difficulties and challenges of life, we might just be able to discover plenty of thanks we can write down in our “Thanks-Giving” for 2013. We are each different and unique. This provides for us special “Thanks-Giving” that should be properly noted in the history of our lives. Our testimony to be is that we faced the challenge, we walked through the fire and came out the other side with a deep appreciation of God’s love, mercy and grace that would have been lost without the experience. Until then

"Thankg-Giving" Nate Zettler-Union College; Keith Banford Hill-Campbellsville University;

There are a few things I can guarantee. I know that you should never say never, and you should never guarantee unless you really can, but I've got this. If you are reading this newspaper column then you are a the son or daughter of someone I can guarantee that. Growing up whether you were raised by your parents, grandparents, foster parents, aunts or uncles, I am confident that you were encouraged to be involved in things throughout your life. If your influences were in sports, then it was athletics; Music-join the band, choir, jazz band; Writing-Journalism Club, Year Book Staff, Editor of your school newspaper; Academic Teams-scholastic events; Miranda Lambert sings in her award winning song "All Kinds of Kinds", that is it takes all kinds, and it does. I played sports growing up in elementary and high school, but my parents never encouraged my siblings or me to do so. My mother wanted us to do anything beside play football. Being involved in activities, in a club, or on a team, teach a lot of lessons that are valuable for life. It truly takes all kinds of kinds and each of us represent our kind. In high school when I wasn't playing football I served as the public address announcer for my high school basketball team. Somewhere between introduction of the starting five for each team I was also calling 'play by play' for WANO Radio 1230AM. My involvement in sports grew to include serving as an official with the Ky High School Athletic Association, then I went on to officiating junior college basketball, NAIA basketball all the way to being a "ref" in the NCAA. In time, I went from officiating to serving as a sports chaplain, ministering to teams, sharing motivational messages and encouragements as a Christian and public speaker. This being my season of "Thanks-Giving" I cannot help by mention the blessings of opportunities because of sports. Nate Zettler from Hamilton, Ohio was recently conducted into the Union College Hall of Fame. During his acceptance speech he mention my work and ministry sharing about his struggle when he was a freshman in college and how he had become homesick and was ready to go back to Ohio. When he signed his professional baseball contract with the Kansas City Royals he called then to say thanks, reminding me of our times together. One of his favorite stories to tell about "preacher" is when I would drive behind him in the college van playing his favorite music loudly out the windows to motivate him as he ran. (If only we had MP players back then) Serving others I have discovered really makes a difference. It maybe years that pass before you know the impact but we should never discredit the effort of helping others. Banford Keith Hill played baseball at Campbellsville University. A friendship that began because of sports when I would umpire his college baseball games. Our friendship includes witnessing him graduate from the Lexington Metro Police Department, to the opportunity of serving as his wedding officiant for he and wife Nancy, to now the celebration of the birth of their son James Banford. Who would have imagined? I didn't but I am grateful for each year we've shared together. So many friendships, to many to mention, but this year Nate represents Union College and Keith represents Campbellsville University. Hundreds of "Thanks-Givings" made through sports and each year until I type no more I will honor these unique friendships that have become so valuable and cherished. The opportunities we each have are special, each in their own kind of way. It takes all kinds of kinds and I am thankful this year to acknowledge the difference Nate, Keith and their families have made in my life. "Thanks-Giving". Until then

"Thanks-Giving" Scott Koon - David Graves - Christian Moore

This is "Thanks-Giving" Season for me and with each column I write this month I am not only taking the opportunity to say thanks to people that have impacted my life but I am praying you will be inspired to create your own method of saying "thanks" and "giving" of yourself in some way that will be an impact such as you have received. Some of you are doing the days of November and I applaud that or any plan as long as it comes from your heart. I do believe you will get the most out of your effort if you take time to reflect, naming the blessings, yes, listing them one by one. Employment is something that during these economic times especially is one topic that we should be able to find some "Thanks-Giving" attitude of appreciation toward. As some of you know, I have a lot of interest. I don't mind having a resume full of different companies, highlighting various responsibilities I have assumed or project I have undertaken. For those whom our connection is this newspaper column, you might think this is my full-time career but it isn't. Sometimes the work creating columns makes me think this is full-time, but I love doing this too. Since 2009 I have worked in an agency as an Agent of State Farm and this time period also includes my time working directly for State Farm Corporation. In November 2012 I meet David Graves and Christian Moore. Two guys I had never known prior to our training in the corporation. My biggest influence, supporter and trusted adviser in agency has been Agent Scott Koon. He provided me the opportunity to join his team, learn the system, and he helped guide me in my goals and I will be forever grateful to Agent Koon and his leadership in my career and my personal life. It is during this season of "Thanks-Giving" that I publicly want to acknowledge him, David and Christian. David Graves was once the youngest women's basketball coach in the NCAA. He was head coach at Western Ky University. I say he was, because he is older now, and has been replaced by some younger "whipper-snapper"..as I like to say. A great husband, father and dedicated student to the industry. David is a master at team involvement and his experience includes knowing how to be a gracious loser. His success in the Final Four teaches more than I can write in this particular column. David lives with his wife and children and operates David Graves State Farm Christian Moore is a young father, and husband who has committed his life and family to serving others through their Christian Faith and dedication to make a difference in the world with their lives. A goal they have been successful at already. The future success and impact will happen because they have not quit giving of themselves. Consistent practice is what makes perfect is a great motto for Christian. One he demonstrates continuously. My "Thanks-Giving" for these three are that friends are easy to find when things are going great and gloriously. It is when things change unexpected, without warning that one is able to see clearly through the smoke and fire of things who is still standing, unmoved, and extending a hand of help. Scott, David and Christian have earned they way into my season of "Thanks-Giving" by always calling, emailing, and simply asking how are you doing? I am confident that you might three individuals in your life just like this. If you do, I would suggest an acknowledgment to let them know, you noticed. Until then

"Thanks-Giving" will you join me? My yearly practice has begun

Welcome to my favorite time of the year! There are many reasons why I so enjoy the fall season. The leaves turning the world into a beautiful colorful landscape is just one of my reasons. I enjoy the cold temperatures. I like the cold wind blowing that is cold enough to make your bones chill. I enjoy staying close to a fire outside so the front of your body feels like it is on fire and your back side is freezing off. Yes, these are all reasons why I love this time of the year. The most important reason to me is that I am able to turn the month of November into a month of “Thanks – Giving”. I guess one of the reasons I have taken on this personal project I call “Thanks – Giving” is because the retail world takes no time at all for Thanksgiving except for promotion of their turkey sales around the Thanksgiving Holiday. To be honest, if you watch families, they too take very little time to honor the importance of the Thanksgiving Holiday. Most families are so excited about Halloween and the approach of Christmas that only on Thanksgiving Day, if then, is there any pause for what this holiday is all about. It should be noted that only in America do we celebrate Thanksgiving, and it should be a very special time of the year instead of just another day, with of course turkey, ham and pumpkin pie that we add to the that day’s schedule. Several years ago I began making this time of the year my personal season of “Thanks – Giving” and I did so by reflecting and thinking back through the year and other years for that matter, and remembering people, places, experiences and even some books I have read. I want to write and say that I have always been a thankful person. I know beyond any shadow of a doubt I can say I have always been thankful for the things I wanted, that I received. My mind is spinning as I attempt to recall all the things I should have been thankful for that I didn’t receive. Living a life of “Thanks – Giving” is not exactly the way most folks wake up with each morning. I personally believe that in order to live such a life it must be a deliberate, intentional and purposed plan if we are to be successful. I am embarrassed to say and think that I have not always been a positive person, cherishing the moments of life as they occur. No doubt, friends that will read this, and those of you who know me personally will say I am always smiling, I am always having fun, and that I have a strong positive outlook on life. Thanks, and I can agree but I also know I have my moments too. Thus I believe writing about this and encouraging people to create their own “Thanks – Giving” season is a good thing to do. As I have been preparing for these “Thanks – Giving” columns I have had a lot of fun. Just thinking back about different moments has been one way to count my blessings several times over. There is no need to reinvent the wheel as they say, so counting your blessings and naming them one by one will do you some good too if you will take the time to write them down. I know it seems crazy, and if you ask anyone their opinion about blessings and things to be thankful for, folks will say you are on the right track, but the failure comes in not following through and actually writing them down, naming them and proclaiming yourself thankful. This process will take a little time, some effort, reflection, energy and excitement for the project. I will encourage you now to be broad minded in your thoughts and reflection. It is easy to name your family members, but you might find it a little more challenging with you start to name their acts that cause you to be “Thanks – Giving” in attitude. In your broad vision don’t be afraid to mention the everyday stuff. Some of the greatest little gifts in life come from some of the most normal routines that we complete all the time. Union College in Barbourville at one time had a slogan. It was “Think outside yourself”. At first glance the slogan might seem a little strange, but when you reflect upon the thought, it is pretty awesome. From time to time I believe life requires us to do just that kind of thinking. If you don’t look outside yourself, first you might just miss something that is designed specifically for you. Second, if you don’t look outside yourself it is very possible that you will miss a golden opportunity to make someone’s day by using your gifts and talents. Get ready for my favorite time of the year, “Thanks – Giving”. You and I have this moment to share our ‘thanks’. We have this moment to do some ‘giving’ to others. Until then

Duplicate and Recycle / Real Life Issues

Not sure if you can admit that you wish you could take back what you just said, or that you have wished you had just kept your mouth closed. Not sure who gets the full credit for a statement I am going to share, but some give credit to President Abraham Lincoln and others credit Mark Twain for saying: “Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak and removed all doubt”. In the Book of Proverbs, chapter 17, verse 28, scripture reads, “Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue”. I share this scripture because recently I wish that I would have applied this very advice in my own life. It is tough sometimes to admit our wrongs and even when we might have hurt others. The day started off with a proper positive attitude, but like all people, there are moments and situations that we find ourselves disgusted, upset, or being negative. I had been standing in a long line which normally isn’t a problem. Actually I am one that often will stand in that line to later compliment, when it is my turn to check out. In sharing a lot of the time employees will laugh and smile, and sometimes they will even share a difficult customer or situation they had to deal with. It is not uncommon during our conversation for an employee to say, “It has been packed all day” or that they can’t wait for lunch or break time. My situation happened without warning. The checkout process was going just fine. I only had two items to purchase and the transaction and our conversation had been very little actually when they said to me “What do you think about this year?” then she said, “this year was horrible and what did I think about this year?”. Without a moment of thought I said, this year or any year is actually an awesome year. If you’ve had ever lost a child who had never seen a single year then you would change your thoughts. WOW, I couldn’t believe I had just said that. What was I thinking?...well obviously I wasn’t. I could easily say that she had asked me the question, as a way to excuse my reaction. I could say that the statement I made was true and that the truth should always be told, but again that is not always proper either. My reaction was totally personal, and totally not appropriate for this type of situation. I immediately knew that what I had just said was so wrong for me to have said. I only wish now that I had just kept quiet. Why did I need to react that way?...I didn’t need to. I was sorry and while I might have been granted forgiveness, the person who my difficulty was with now was going to be me. Dealing with disappointment, heartache, and losses that sometimes are deep within us is a real challenge. It is my normal practice to be positive, encouraging while also being real and true to myself, and experiences I’ve had in life. I have helped grieving individuals put things in livable conditions before. These include the death of children and the loss of pregnancies as examples of tough situations that develop out of life. Some might suggest that in time things will be ok. Time helps but time doesn’t heal. My great-grandfather Nasby Mills, his favorite song was “Farther Along”. The truth of the song is life here is difficult to understand, and only when we are with Him, the Savior Jesus Christ, will we understand things. This is the Christian Perspective, I only wish I could get at least one or two questions answered while I am still here, living life now. In counseling I have pointed out the benefit of experiences. For example, any mother that has become pregnant has a blessing over the lady who would love to have that experience but for whatever medical issue a pregnancy will never occur. The loss of a child before their entrance into the world while devastating, does have merits that should cause us to be thankful to God, for all things, even when we don’t understand. The Bible says “Children are a Blessing of the Lord”, and I believe they are. Cherish your experience if you are a biological parent. For those of us who are not, we have the blessing of adoption, parenting without the blood connection and the opportunity to be a parent in other relationships that we count as our blessing. “Treating people as you want to be treated” should be a recurring thought and it should help us in both our reactions and our responses. Life is not easily traveled, there are many challenges, and we are each going to say things we will regret. Mercy and grace will be our best solution. Duplicate and recycle. Until then

Two Places-Same Time: Cumberland College & Union College

Now sure when the last time was that you attempted to be two places at the same time, but I recently tried my hand at the adventure. I feel totally compelled to share with you that I was not successful as it was a miserable failure. Of importance to this column will be the reason why I was attempting to accomplish this "Two Places-Same Time" task. I think you will clearly understand the statement that sometimes the options in life can be difficult to choose from. Now it should be said that some folks simply cannot make a decision no matter what. I can make a decision, and I did--I thought I would go both to Homecoming at my old alma mater Cumberland College (University of the Cumberlands) in Williamsburg, Ky and I also wanted to visit Union College in Barbourville. With less than 30 miles separating the two cities I thought if ever I could pull this off, now was the time. True friendship remains the staple of all my connections. I don't see me getting tired of meeting new folks anytime soon, and the opportunity to reconnect through shared stories, looking at new family photos and just hanging out with those from your past and life history is a lot of fun. My time at Cumberland will always be special and having spent 12 years serving as a Sports Chaplain to the student athletes, coaches and staff at Union this connection is one I appreciate too. Life offers a lot of options and choices. Recently I was listening to my oldest niece, Brittany Elizabeth Goodin share advice with a cousin. The discussion was about classes, interest in life, and teachers that either caused you to love an academic subject or hate it. Her advice regarding class selection was to go with the teacher that made studying fun, exciting and challenging every time. (I was thinking to myself I sure am glad I told her that) Of course I hadn't shared that specially but I was very proud of the way she applied life lessons and experiences to now shared wisdom and advice. Options, choices, decisions can become very complicated. There is not a single strategy that works, but it is the combination of things that lead us in the proper direction if we are open to hear it, see it when it is before us and then follow. My decision to be at two different places on the same day meant that my day would start early and end late. It also meant that I would be doing more traveling with a sense of urgency in a short amount of time and this would require more careful attention to details if I was going to do both safely. This experience would also mean that I would be eating two meals and not one, snacking and tasting from every dish prepared and I would need to manage portion control in serious moderation. For the record, I normally am not successful when it comes to portion control. I normally maintain a "SeaFood Diet" that is spelled in action as "see food, eat food". Life can be demanding and challenging all by itself without us adding additional stuff to our plate like stress from lack of planning as one example. The only person I know that has ever been successful at being at two different locations at the same time is this guy I met name Jesus. A lot of my friends have shared with me about their desire to be here for me when I have been in need. The difficulty has been that it is impossible for them to be in two spots at once, as it it for me to, of course. We have great hearts that want to be, and prayers that are with you in spirit, but not physically. Jesus I have discovered is capable of being in two places at once. He hears all things at the same time, and hear them all clearly from each of us. While I was only successful at visiting two places on the same day, Jesus Christ can be there and here for each of us without any travel at all on His part. The next time the mission or task seems impossible remember there is one guy that I know that can do all things. Until then

The Daniel Boone Festival - A Unique Knox County Event

​This week the streets of Barbourville have been filled with all kinds of people, activities and even some strange sights. The Daniel Boone Festival represents or means to the youngsters in our families a time of fun that includes rides, fun foods and hanging out and playing with friends. Teenagers who live here in Knox County might have a little different take on things. For teenagers familiar with the DBF this time will include food and hanging out with friends but there is so much more to this event than their perception of things. I realize sadly for some in Knox County they may not even be taking notice of the Festival, its historical importance, or understand what it is all about. This facts saddens further when it is discovered that some of these are life long residents of Knox County and the have just never seen beyond the activities of the court square or perhaps the frustration of attempting to drive across town. ​Barbourville-Knox County has a most rich history in the development of our Commonwealth and the United States. This in part due to our geographic location and the discovery of the Cumberland Gap and in part due to what happened because of the travels of Dr. Thomas Walker and that pioneer Daniel Boone. This History is something we should all be proud of, it should be something we cherish, and the stories of this land (our home) is something that I would strongly encourage everyone to be able to share with others. Here in the mountains we love oral history. The sharing of where we came from, how we got here, what we did when we arrived, and the role our families played and who our people are (were) is something we love sharing. Our favorite practice of spoken word to receptive ears still works today, especially for those of us who love to speak. The Daniel Boone Festival is a "pride and gem" of Kentucky History. ​If you ask anyone who has traveled away from home for any length of time, they will all nearly say that we have just as much history, unique facts and things to see and do as any other place in the world. Folks here at home will generally call your hand on such and say that this is not true, but I believe it is. The Daniel Boone Festival is one of those facts. Our local residents have also worked long and hard to create and preserve the old films of this area that highlight this area. This is certainly something worth seeing, taking our children to, and after viewing sharing with them our personal memories of a time past. I know and understand our children may not want to hear our old stories, but there will come a day and time they wish they could hear them again, so I encourage you to go ahead and share. At least give them the opportunity to have remembered them and the memory of the time you did once shared the stories with them. ​I believe a visit to Dr Thomas Walker State Park is always in line when talking about history. To think that this is as far as Dr Walker and his explorers got because of the brush and thickets, is amazing as it relates to history. A drive down through Old Flat Lick and a stop at the markers of the Wilderness Trail are worthy of a family visit too. Hundreds of thousands walked, rode a mule, rode a horse are traveled in a wagon from the Carolina's over the Cumberland Gap and continued their travels here, which is plenty worthy of historical documentation so our children can pass on the story of our heritage as a people and the richness of our land in the development of America. ​The Bible says that He created everything, and that He has a plan and a purpose for everything too. I am so thankful that we can let our minds run on the value of history as we dream about the future we are going to lead from this history location. Until then​

Whitley Co - Old Fashion Days; Corbin - NIBROC; Laurel Co - World Chicken Festival; Daniel Boone Festival - Barbourville;

This week the streets of Barbourville have been filled with all kinds of people, activities and even some strange sights. The Daniel Boone Festival represents or means to the youngsters in our families a time of fun that includes rides, fun foods and hanging out and playing with friends. Teenagers who live here in Knox County might have a little different take on things. For teenagers familiar with the DBF this time will include food and hanging out with friends but there is so much more to this event than their perception of things. I realize sadly for some in Knox County they may not even be taking notice of the Festival, its historical importance, or understand what it is all about. This facts saddens further when it is discovered that some of these are life long residents of Knox County and the have just never seen beyond the activities of the court square or perhaps the frustration of attempting to drive across town. Barbourville-Knox County has a most rich history in the development of our Commonwealth and the United States. This in part due to the geographic location and the discovery of the Cumberland Gap and in part due to what happened because of the travels of Dr. Thomas Walker and that pioneer Daniel Boone. Bell County-Pineville/Middlesboro has a rich history and we have the Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival as one of the "gems" of the mountains. Harlan-Harlan County has The Polk Sallet Festival which is extremely unique and about as mountain as it gets. Harlan County has the Black Bear Festival too. Whitley County has Old Fashion Days that is a reminder of the time when folks would come and trade their goods. The City of Corbin has NIBROC which is a great community event and Laurel County has the World Chicken Festival If you ask anyone who has traveled away from home for any length of time, they will all nearly say that we have just as much history, unique facts and things to see and do as any other place in the world. Folks here at home will generally call your hand on such and say that this is not true, but I believe it is. The Daniel Boone Festival is one of those facts. Each of our County's and City's has local residents who have volunteered their time to develop museums that highlight this area we call home. When you hear of an opportunity to watch an old film of the area you should jump at the opportunity to go. This is history you need to see, worthy of being seen and events like this we should take our children to, and after viewing sharing with them our personal memories of that time past. I know and understand our children may not want to hear our old stories, but there will come a day and time they wish they could hear them again, so I encourage you to go ahead and share. At least give them the opportunity to have remembered them and the memory of the time you did once shared the stories with them. I believe a visit to Dr Thomas Walker State Park is always in line when talking about history. To think that this is as far as Dr Walker and his explorers got because of the brush and thickets, is amazing as it relates to history. A drive down through Old Flat Lick and a stop at the markers of the Wilderness Trail are worthy of a family visit too. Hundreds of thousands walked, rode a mule, rode a horse are traveled in a wagon from the Carolina's over the Cumberland Gap and continued their travels here, which is plenty worthy of historical documentation so our children can pass on the story of our heritage as a people and the richness of our land in the development of America. The Bible says that He created everything, and that He has a plan and a purpose for everything too. I am so thankful that we can let our minds run on the value of history as we dream about the future we are going to lead from this historic location. Until then

Polk Sallet Festival-Harlan; Black Bear Festival; Daniel Boone Festival; Kentucky Mt Laurel;

This week the streets of Barbourville have been filled with all kinds of people, activities and even some strange sights. The Daniel Boone Festival represents or means to the youngsters in our families a time of fun that includes rides, fun foods and hanging out and playing with friends. Teenagers who live here in Knox County might have a little different take on things. For teenagers familiar with the DBF this time will include food and hanging out with friends but there is so much more to this event than their perception of things. I realize sadly for some in Knox County they may not even be taking notice of the Festival, its historical importance, or understand what it is all about. This facts saddens further when it is discovered that some of these are life long residents of Knox County and the have just never seen beyond the activities of the court square or perhaps the frustration of attempting to drive across town. Barbourville-Knox County has a most rich history in the development of our Commonwealth and the United States. This in part due to the geographic location and the discovery of the Cumberland Gap and in part due to what happened because of the travels of Dr. Thomas Walker and that pioneer Daniel Boone. Bell County-Pineville/Middlesboro has a rich history and we have the Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival as one of the "gems" of the mountains. Harlan-Harlan County has The Polk Sallet Festival which is extremely unique and about as mountain as it gets. Harlan County has the Black Bear Festival too. If you ask anyone who has traveled away from home for any length of time, they will all nearly say that we have just as much history, unique facts and things to see and do as any other place in the world. Folks here at home will generally call your hand on such and say that this is not true, but I believe it is. The Daniel Boone Festival is one of those facts. Each of our County's and City's has local residents who have volunteered their time to develop museums that highlight this area we call home. When you hear of an opportunity to watch an old film of the area you should jump at the opportunity to go. This is history you need to see, worthy of being seen and events like this we should take our children to, and after viewing sharing with them our personal memories of that time past. I know and understand our children may not want to hear our old stories, but there will come a day and time they wish they could hear them again, so I encourage you to go ahead and share. At least give them the opportunity to have remembered them and the memory of the time you did once shared the stories with them. I believe a visit to Dr Thomas Walker State Park is always in line when talking about history. To think that this is as far as Dr Walker and his explorers got because of the brush and thickets, is amazing as it relates to history. A drive down through Old Flat Lick and a stop at the markers of the Wilderness Trail are worthy of a family visit too. Hundreds of thousands walked, rode a mule, rode a horse are traveled in a wagon from the Carolina's over the Cumberland Gap and continued their travels here, which is plenty worthy of historical documentation so our children can pass on the story of our heritage as a people and the richness of our land in the development of America. The Bible says that He created everything, and that He has a plan and a purpose for everything too. I am so thankful that we can let our minds run on the value of history as we dream about the future we are going to lead from this historic location. Until then

Why I am involved in the issue of substance & drug abuse; My history & plan for Faith to make a difference.

I just finished the series of articles dealing with substance and drug abuse. It is appropriate to ask why the newspaper series and to ask why I believe that faith based organizations, individuals, churches, should unite with the encouragement of government and the medical community to provide the solution. Understanding my personal history with the issue is a great place to begin. After I accepted what we refer to as the “Call to Ministry” I continued my pursuit to be prepared through both formal education and training, in addition to learning from the application of scripture and faith from everyday life and ministry. In 1981 I considered my task would be preaching on Sunday and on Wednesday, and no where in my formal training was the issue of substance abuse or drug addiction ever covered. No college professor ever spoke about the issue and no seminary professor addressed the issue and there were no courses in the field of study. In high school I was exposed to drugs & alcohol. Alcohol was most common and I knew students who used “speed” and smoked marijuana. In churches, as you can well imagine, there was no shortage of messages dealing with alcohol. A matter of fact many protestant denominations and no doubt readers of this column can attest to the fear instilled about drinking and hell as the destiny because of involvement. I never remember hearing any minister growing up mention the word marijuana from the pulpit but plenty of conversation about “pot heads” from conversations overheard where adults might be describing youth they tagged as being “no good”. Addressing the issue of drugs by a church officially would have been or could be perceived to be acknowledging a problem inside their own membership. This of course was avoided because Christians, and certainly church members would never be involved in such issues. We know this was not correct then, and there are plenty of public arrest records to prove this not true today. The church has often been afraid, untrained and not sure what is an appropriate response. That truth has crippled the church into not having any involvement for most congregations and the church also has an issue with “what others churches will say”. 1992 was the year I addressed this issue for the first time as a minister in Corbin, Ky. I had no option as a member came crying saying my son is on drugs. I was of no help and clueless about resources available, and what my response as a pastor was suppose to be. Should I pray about this publicly? Do we put this concern on the published prayer? There was no guide but plenty of concerns about privacy and what’s appropriate. Given the circumstances I did not have a struggle with what my course of action should be, my struggle would be if I would have the courage to get involved. The course was clear because of the example of Jesus. I would begin to walk as a Christian and as a pastor with this particular individual and his family. For the next six years that list of individuals and families grew. I discovered limited resources at best and continued dead ends and walls for the most part. That frustration and experience took another step in 1998. Cathy Woolum, a family friend approached me about the issue of drugs faced by our community, in Bell County. Together we co-founded the Bell County Drug Coalition. It was the only community organization in Kentucky that uniquely addressed this issue collectively, involving all facets of the issue including prevention, intervention and treatment. It was unique because the coalition sought to bring together in unity all the various entities, organizations, government programs into a collective group addressing the issue, and it worked. The next effort was the establishment of the first law enforcement drug task force to deal specifically with and to combat the selling of drugs in Knox, Whitley and Bell Counties. David Jorjani, who was the Knox County Attorney, and myself established the Cumberland Valley Plateau Drug Task Force. Support from the cities of: Williamsburg; Corbin; Pineville; Barbourville; and Middlesboro; along the support of the Fiscal Courts from Knox; Whitley; and Bell County; each provided funding that we used to secure a matching 3-1 grant with cooperation of the Department of Justice. The law enforcement arm was now established. My involvement took another step when I received a call from the office of U.S. Congressman Harold Roger’s. The Lexington Herald Leader had just published an article “Prescription Pain” that described the problem of drugs in the 5th Congressional District and Congressman Roger’s asked for me to share the program I had written and the success of our citizens through the efforts of the Bell County Drug Coalition. The concept of citizen coalitions in coordination with our law enforcement grant became the Comprehensive Counter-Drug Initiative. That organization you know today as Operation UNITE. The next step I am proposing is long overdue. In involves a purposed plan to become mentors to those addicted to drugs and dealing with substance abuse. Faith based organizations, individuals, and church congregations must move from praying about the issue to action. As Christians we must step into the treatment process as community members working with the encouragement of government and cooperation of the medical community. The plan is simple. To establish a Re-Entry Task Force of committed individuals regaining our communities with one success at a time. This is an appropriate Christian response and Jesus sent his followers out two by two. One you be one of two? Together we are the solution.

The Road Not Taken - Choices & Decisions

The poet Robert Frost in his poem The Road Not Taken provides a picture of what we do every day, and often all throughout each day we live…making decisions. The process of making decisions is really never easy. In the legal system one can often hear the term “weighing in the balance” or if not used directly or spoken as such, we certainly use the process of putting things up against each other to determine a result or make a decision. In The Road Not Taken there are two roads that diverge and this occurrence is the one we walk upon in our daily lives as well. The task is figuring out which road to take. Problems are often so overwhelming that we can become frustrated and if not careful or maintaining a vigilance to our process we might just say “just take any road, let’s just do something”. My mind is flooding with experiences of having witnessed people and organizations just making a decision, any decision as long as it is a decision. The process of making a choice is difficult. It requires consideration of consequences. The process of making a choice should require us to have a conversation with trusted advisors, mentors, family members or folks that we have found to be trustworthy and one who shares honest advice not just what you or I may want to hear. The traveler in this poem stands still and looks not just one way but the other way too. This traveler considers several factors before rendering a decision or a plan of action. Considerations actually begin with the road itself. There is quite a description of the choices. Both roads look fair. Either one might turn out better than the other, there seems to be very little to answer that question at the beginning of this decision. The roads looked after a fair evaluation to be honestly the same. They appeared to be equal. You and I know that looks can be deceiving. First impressions are not always accurate. In life, you and I will find ourselves at this same spot if you have not already done so. Every young person, teenager reading this column should learn that their day of required decisions is coming. They will not be able to escape making a choice on so many different topics and choices. The best option for us as adults, parents, community volunteers and concerned citizens is to be involved in the lives of others, by sharing and helping others learn all about decisions. Because of the experience of the passing of time, adults should be able to clearly demonstrate that this skill must be learned or you will become stranded on a roadside unable to make decisions or in the worst case always making the wrong decision with each intersection that diverges upon them. Robert Frost wrote that “I shall be telling this with a sigh, somewhere ages and ages hence: Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference”. What answer will you and I be able to write because of the choices and decisions we have made? What will we be telling throughout our life time about the road we have traveled? I love history, I enjoy so much hearing about the way things have developed over time. Listening to someone tell their story of experiences because of their actions is such a great learning tool. My observations include that I have witnessed some never sharing because they are trapped by fear. Fear of what others will say and even fear about how things will turn out. It is always easy to stay where you are and pray that things never change, or you can look down the other road and doubt if you will ever return, making this decision even more important and making sure you make the right decision because of history. Some have written in life that things are a chance. I will share that I do not hold this position at all. I don’t believe anything rest on the opportunity of chance. I view opportunity as one that is created because of your hard work and dedication or opportunity exists because you were prepared for any given moment of time. Being prepared is the single most important action and it also requires the biggest commitment and dedication. I discovered through faith in Jesus Christ that the saving part of His mercy and grace is all His doing. The growing part of this relationship building is all on me. He is ready to help at each of your crossroads in life. A decision to take the one less traveled by will make all the difference. Until then

Newspaper Column "Until then" written by Tim Hobart Mills: Conditions of Life - UNMANAGEABLE (Part 3) Drug ...

Newspaper Column "Until then" written by Tim Hobart Mills: Conditions of Life - UNMANAGEABLE (Part 3) Drug ...: If I were to name three conditions of life that put you in a hopeless state of mind, here they are: Finding yourself in a powerless conditi...

Conditions of Life - UNMANAGEABLE (Part 3) Drug Solutions & Answers

If I were to name three conditions of life that put you in a hopeless state of mind, here they are: Finding yourself in a powerless condition over life; being dependent on things; and the feeling that life is unmanageable. This is the final column in this series dealing with these “Conditions of Life”, drug addiction and those we know impacted by their choices. In this final part of the series allow me to address when life is unmanageable”. I have attempted to address the three most common conditions that most often those dealing with drugs and substance abuse find themselves in. Powerless, being dependent on things (that is: drugs & associated issues) and the feeling that life is unmanageable are three very strong issues that one cannot overcome on their own. This series of columns have been written to engage people of faith to become involved as a part of the solution for the drug epidemic that faces our communities. I have attempted to express a means by which “communities can regain their communities” by taking an active role and walking with, assisting through the process of treatment. Please remember this line. I applaud the individual who has just become clean from drugs. They are a champion and for some reason this accomplishment many individuals of faith, churches and organizations that should be applauding and supporting seem to have become skeptics. Sadly, for the most part, the attitude is that there is uncertainty about if this new change is for real, we doubt their success, their reasons for trying and when they relapse, or return to drugs there is self-applause for the wisdom in predicting their failure to remain clean and off-drugs. Those battling drugs have felt their life to be totally unmanageable. They understand the back breaking affect and they have been humbled to their very core as an individual. What I have discovered is that without an involvement of individuals of faith, churches, non-profit organizations who come alongside our family members, friends, and neighbors who are in the personal war against drugs their failure rate is almost guaranteed. I have been involved in this topic since 1992. That was the first year that as a minister I was challenged to do something other than say I will pray for you or even worse advice, as a pastor suggest that they just needed to pray themselves and ask God for help. Rest assured I have repented to God for ever suggesting that someone walk alone. Christians, individuals of faith, churches should be clear about one thing. If we allow someone to walk alone and we are not there to help them in their journey, what right do we have to ask them to join us after they have successfully recovered? Throughout scripture Jesus earned the right to be involved in the lives of people. Jesus was always reaching out to people or recognizing clearly when someone was reaching out to Him. If we want to see how successful we are in our communities do a little research and discover how many churches in your community have a meeting such as Alcoholics Anonymous; Al Anon; Celebrate Recovery; Pathfinders; Narcotics Anonymous; Then discover what your church is doing to support those programs in existence. There will be only a handful of you that will see any active involvement by your church leaders, membership or faith based organizations. Sadly this list is very small and in most communities nonexistent. This fact must change. The fact that we have been allowing those addicted to drugs and involved in substance abuse to walk by themselves in treatment and recovery should not be shocking to us when we see their lives unmanageable and out of control. The solution is an active involvement by individuals of faith. Would you be willing to get involved? If so, I look forward to hearing from you as we gather to organize a new cooperation and initiative between individuals of faith, faith based communities, the medical community, and government to retake our communities and help those who want to be free of substance abuse. Until then

Conditions of Life - DEPENDENCY ON THINGS (Part 2) Drug Solutions & Answers

If I were to name three conditions of life that put you in a hopeless state of mind, here they are: Finding yourself in a powerless condition over life; being dependent on things; and the feeling that life is unmanageable. This is my second column in a three part series dealing with “Conditions of Life”, drug addiction and those we know impacted by their choices. In this part of the series allow me to address “dependency upon things”. In dealing with drugs and the dependency upon things, so often it is really easier to address the dependency that we see others dealing with then address our own issues. One of the most important aspects of any genuine conversation or willingness to help others is best established with others when they can see our success in having been where they find themselves to be currently. Admitting that we each have a “dependency upon things” is a sure way to connect with others. My issues of dependency may not be drugs, it could be something else, but we can all identify because of the dependency no matter the subject or issue. I am totally confident that we each know someone that is dealing with drug abuse and or drug addiction. Their dependency is rather easy to identify. We can see the impact of drugs because the signs of drug abuse and addiction show themselves publicly even if those dealing with the subject have not yet admitted to themselves that they have a problem. Sure we know if you have not recognized your dependency there is a lot of work yet to do in terms of intervention. However, for those that have admitted their problem and have sought help, I believe individuals of faith, organizations of faith, church and community organizations and outreach groups can make a difference. Let us partner with those who have admitted their issue with drugs, who have sought treatment and just need a friend to walk with throughout their treatment. Let us commit to follow up with support and resources in aftercare too. As a minister of over 30 years the most often heard quote or phrase shared with me is that they (people of faith) will say “I am praying about drugs in our community” or “I have a family member on drugs and all we can do is pray for them”. Understand that I am making a general statement and every situation is different, but there are some points that we can clearly point out and speak to. For instance, sometimes Christians can easily use the word pray, prayer, praying and feel good about having said or used those words, but never move beyond the expression. I have often shared that on many things we as Christians need to stop praying and start acting. For example, we can use this exercise of faith and it is clear what Jesus would do so we need to act and cease our practice of waiting on an answer when we already have it. In each of our communities there are individuals we all know dealing with substance abuse & addiction to drugs. We see them walking up and down our roadways. We see them in the grocery store; our kids or grandchildren go to school with their kids or family members. It is sad but often times we avoid contact because we either don’t know what we should say, or what we could do to help. The answer is that there is much we can do. We can begin a conversation of friendship. We can listen to someone stories. Everyone wants to be heard and by listening things may not be as we assume from observation. Listening shows that we care. Many people fail in overcome drug addiction because in the end they ran out of resources as the victory was approaching. Many people have a “dependency on things” and our confession and then our volunteering to help a friend in need, could be the answer they were looking for and the answer for their victory. In addition you might just have made a friend for life because you were willing to help meet that need. After all, isn’t this was Jesus was all about? Our need was forgiveness and he met it even before we asked. Until then

"Conditions of Life" - POWERLESS (Part 1) Drug Solutions & Answers

If I were to name three conditions of life that put you in a hopeless state of mind here they are: Finding yourself in a powerless condition over life; being dependent on things; and the feeling that life is unmanageable; I am beginning with this column a new three part series of articles on the subject of “Conditions of Life”. If you know someone who has a problem with addiction, dependency, or that their life is out of control, this is not only for them but for you. Let us look at this first condition of being powerless over life. There are many folks who feel that there is absolutely nothing they can do to impact their life. They feel ‘pinned down’, and ‘trapped’ by the circumstances they are living in now, thus that feeling of being totally powerless over life. The first people that I think feel this type of emotion and condition would be individuals using drugs illegally. Those addicted to drugs because of substance abuse find themselves in this powerless state of mind because they have surrendered control of their lives to their substances of choice. For law and order members of society we can take a strong firm stand and say that those who are using drugs did so because they wanted to. We can keep our firm stand resolutely by saying it was there choice to use drugs, especially if you never provided them with drugs, never facilitated for their empowerment with drugs by giving them money, giving them rides to their dealers or to the location where they purchased drugs. Sometimes we who have never used drugs can become very arrogant regarding this issue. That power comes because we’ve never used and we like to think how stupid for someone to become addicted to drugs. It is in my opinion this is the wrong position to take but I understand parts of the battle and I too have had some of these very same thoughts and feelings I’ve just written about. The fact to the matter is that those addicted to illegal drugs would agree that it is stupid to be on drugs. No argument there. They would agree that for them to be in the position of drug addiction is unreal and their condition is one they never dreamed they would ever find themselves in. They can agreed with these thoughts easily. They understand them much better than those who have never used drugs or found themselves in this position. No one dreams about being powerless. Many begin using drugs because they want to first just have some fun, not understanding the consequences, or accepting the position that what they have seen happen to others will not happen to them. If you can understand that line of thinking you can see clearly they believe they have all the power in the world, because somehow they are stronger, wiser, and just plain better than someone else they know using drugs. And what has happened to those they know will not happen to them. YES, for many reading this column we know that is a lie. We know they are not some super human with stronger power than others. You and I for whatever reason know and understand our skill set, our abilities, weaknesses, and struggles. We know what to stay away from but for many of our family members, friends, neighbors and people we see in passing in our communities did not learn this truth early in life. Thus they now find themselves totally powerless in life all because of drugs. This is the most frustrating aspect of helping people for me. My frustration is not that someone is addicted to drugs, but that rather Christians who should be so ever mindful that they too could easily be in this same condition choose only to say “I will pray for you” and never move beyond that stance to be involved and helping someone regain power over their powerless state of mind. Luke 8:43-48 tells of a woman who believed differently. There is a faith that heals but it involves action. In this column series we will have an opportunity to see the role Christians and concerned individuals can play in helping others discover power in their lives for the first time, and for some it will be to re-discover the power they surrendered. I believe there is an answer to the epidemic experiences of illegal drug abuse. There is an answer to regaining our communities and helping those who are addicted to drugs. We can win in this issue but we must be involved. The answer begins with you and your faith. Jesus said it was her faith that made the difference. We cannot keep this secret answer to drug addiction to ourselves. Until then

August Birthdays, anniversaries, leaves falling and season changes

Now that August has arrived and back to school is in full swing what more could one ask for? Ok, let me add football season! Thinking about August I think about my brother’s birthday, my grandfather’s birthday, my parents wedding anniversary, my aunt Alice, then my friend list takes hold. Birthdays in August include Richie Morris, Gary Minton, Nick Ruggieri, Jeff Musgrave, Haland Hatter, Shawn Kelly and I don’t want to forget myself but mine too. August is a crazy month filled with plenty of cake and ice cream for me. I am pretty sure after this newspaper column I will have a few more friends ask why they didn’t make this column. Fact is they are on the list, but at this very moment I am not able to recall their name or special day. I am also pretty confident that if they are a real friend that they will be willing to forgive me and will credit my loss of memory to my quickly approaching old age status. August is a great month for me not because of all the celebrations, but rather because it is a personal signal of the approaching fall. The Fall Season is my favorite time of the year. I love watching the leaves turn and even fall from the trees. I have even been known to sit and watch for a particular leave to fall. That can take some real sitting but if the wind is blowing or if there is a rain in the air you may very well get to witness that personal changing of the season up front and close. In the Book of Ecclesiastes scripture talks all about seasons, changes, and how all this fits into time. Of all the things I am confident about, I am firmly convinced that we all would love to understand time, the seasons and changes fully. I am also firmly convinced that this is a worthy goal but it may require us to be patient, demonstrate great restraint, and practice listening to master. If we choose not to practice listening, and we choose to talk, it is very likely that we could miss His voice all together is we don’t listen some. Learning to listen and learning to observe is not the easiest of skill sets to learn. At first mention one would think listening seems so simply. Listening seems so easy, we cannot help but ask why it is so difficult. When you think about observing this skill set we might be better able to understand why it is difficult. Most of us after watching someone struggle with a task for a little bit of time or prone to step in and compete the task thinking by demonstrating we are setting the right example. This line of thinking is not exactly correct. Yes, I believe and others will agree that demonstrating things has a great value. Showing others how something works and explaining why something works has tremendous merit and I applaud that effort. However, stepping in to complete something just because someone is struggling is not always the best answer. Learning from the example of others makes another wise and will certainly limit the number of headaches you will experience but a good struggle teaches value that is worth measuring. Let us consider the value is not stepping in to finish a task or complete a project for others. First, there is a lesson worth learning that teaches things are sometimes not completed quickly. Most folks want to start and finish something with very little down time between the start and end. One of the tough lessons of life is that this is not always the case. Value in learning how to multitask could be a lesson worth learning from such as is learning to appreciate those that know and understand the steps required to complete a project. The Bible has much to say about considering the cost prior to advancing or pressing forward. Not sure what is happening in August for you. Could be you are celebrating a birthday or an anniversary. If that is the case then happy times is my wish to you. If you are waiting and watching for the changes of the season then happy enjoyment on that front is my wish to you. If you are not sure what August means to you, then I suggest a daily reading out of the Book of Proverbs. There is more than enough wisdom to help make any month the best month. Until then

Faith Hope and Love - How about using these three to make a difference!

If there is one subject matter I am compelled to write about it would be faith. And not just faith like in a song or a love between two people. Rather faith like in a life style and a relationship with Jesus Christ. I have many times over wondered how people who do not believe in Jesus Christ survive the challenges of medical issues, death, and any different number of crisis events one can experience throughout life. As a Christian the three aspects of my relationship with Jesus Christ are faith, hope and love. These characteristics are the foundation for a Christian life. For me removing one of them from the other two leaves a void that is difficult to fill. Faith occurs when we place our trust in something greater than ourselves. It is when we open our lives to be directed by the instructions of the Holy Spirit. Trusting without seeing or even fully understanding can be a very challenging point in any life, this includes that of those who acknowledge that Jesus is their personal Lord and Savior. Just because we say we have faith doesn’t make it any less difficult to demonstrate our faith. Putting action to our faith is a challenge. Many times people will volunteer to pray, we offer applause to share in a public way our support and our encouragement, but there is a call to action that is more than applause or a kind word. Faith that is demonstrated in action put faith on the move for others to see. Hope is the scripture is describes as a belief and confidence we have in others. There is nothing that will create a broken heart faster than a loss of hope. When we are disappointed by the action of others, or dismayed by a statement of disrespect, this creates a loss of hope. Negative stuff gathers quickly like a snow ball being rolled up…grass and all. Hope is believing. Hope is seeing through the rough, the bad and the ugly. Hope keeps looking, hope keeps seeking to find that which is important and lost. Sometimes when we deal with hope we must understand that we are going to quickly brush by some of the things we find along life’s highway. We must take note of what we see, but we must remain focused to discover the cradle of hope and where it rest waiting for her next believer. Only through believing can we discover hope. Only through confidence in Hope’s return do we find peace to press forward and only through Hope can we resolutely determine that nothing can stop us from succeeding. Love is that third characteristic of these three and it is the most profound. Love is what keeps both faith and hope going. Love is what keeps faith and hope alive. It is love that keeps faith and hope getting up after stumbling and falling, time and time again. Love is an amazing resource. Love is what Jesus demonstrated on the cross by paying our debt because of sin. Love is what Jesus demonstrated when in the garden tomb He arose from the dead demonstrating not only life but most important power over death, hell and the grave. Love is more than a song or an emotion. Love is an action sealed in sacrifice and commitment. Today I challenge Christians to put these three words, faith, hope and love, into the work of their hands, feet, ears, eyes and mouth. When I look out into the world I see many people who appear to just be existing. They have been crushed by one thing or another and without any fight at all appears to have given up quickly and surrendered totally. Christians we have the answer and solution that some in our families are seeking for. We have friends, neighbors, co-workers that we see all the time that have lost not only the smile on their face but the dance for life in their heart. We can help, share Jesus Christ now. Until then

Jimmy Rose from Dorton Branch "Coal Keeps the Lights On"

Jimmy Rose. I am pretty sure you will recognize his name or at least be asking yourself why that name rings a bell? Jimmy is singing on America’s Got Talent and he introduced the world to his song, “Coal Keeps the Lights On”. He has been quoted by United States Congressman in the House Chamber for his song as they pick up the cause of coal and its importance to people where coal is produced. He has been tweeted about and re-tweeted thousands of times over in social media. YouTube and Facebook have filled page after page of comments, thoughts, and shares because of his song. As I have been traveling speaking at conferences and events this year many individuals have asked me do you know Jimmy Rose? When I say yes, my friends all laugh and say of course he does, who doesn’t Tim know, (wanting to suggest, laugh and make fun of me for knowing lots of folks) but the friendship I share with Jimmy is much different than a name dropping moment. In 1998 the congregation of the Bethlehem Baptist Church of Dorton Branch, located less than a mile outside the City limits of Pineville in Bell County, Kentucky, extended a call for me to serve as their pastor, a call I accepted. Dorton Branch for those who are not familiar with is location might very well never find it if they went looking. Sure if you used GPS you might, but then again, maybe not. The mountains of Southeastern Kentucky have some unique ways of keeping the modern up-to-date world out. I remember well the first time I met Jimmy along with other youth who lived in and called Dorton Branch home. Serving a community, meeting needs and being real is something I am pleased to say I have been successful at in ministry. I met Jimmy the very first week I was “in the branch”. I had walked out of the church parsonage down the road to go meet and introduce myself to the youth. I had already met many of the adults on their turf, in the church building. Now it was time to meet the youth on their turf. I headed walking down the road to the fields down by the railroad tracks and the train trussel. (Note: Dorton Branch is a small community with one road in and out) I remember as if it was yesterday what I was hearing as they notice someone coming into their territory. Not sure who it was at first, but then I heard their comments. Truth is, Jimmy’s little brother Chris I heard first. He said, “Oh boys that’s the preacher”…as if that was a bad thing or at least unlike the preachers they had known before. Then I heard a voice in time I would learn was Johnny Harris. His remarks were much more direct but in line with Chris’ comments. Johnny said loud enough for me to hear clearly, “what in the world is he coming here for”. Implying I was probably the last person in the world they wanted to talk to, hang out with, or have to meet. A position from their point of view I could understand fully, but that wasn’t going to stop me from walking into their turf and introducing myself. There I met the whole crew. Jimmy & Chris Rose Johnny Harris, Adam Patterson Jeremy Maynard, Aaron Canterbury, Asa Mills, Dustin Redmond, and others that are slipping my mind, but I am extremely confident that they are all smiling right now remember those times and the ministry we built for them and the community. Jimmy was then as he is today. Quite, but don’t mistaken that for a lack of thoughts or opinions. He is just more reserved and the humble side you see is exactly who he was then as a teen and who he is today as a man. “Coal keeps the lights on” is the perfect song and if you haven’t discovered from the lyrics they represent real life as it is and the importance of coal then you missed the meaning altogether. Dorton Branch where Jimmy grew up is full of lots of history. The road goes down to a 4-wheel trail today at the end of the holler. Back in the day it was a horse, cow and walking path. Folks would walk from Knox County over the mountain from Stinking Creek right through Dorton Branch to trade goods, catch the train, and to visit. Today folks travel the Cumberland Gap Parkway to get to and from. Bethlehem Baptist Church was once a one room school house for the community. Today half of the church building is what remains of the old grade school. The building was acquired by the church from the Bell County Board of Education after the school consolidated. Pineville and Bell County have honored Jimmy in many ways. First by their support and encouragement. Elected officials have also bestowed honors upon Jimmy for his success and because of his positive representation of the people of Bell County and the people of Coal across the United States. The Pineville Mayor made him an Honorary Mayor, the Governor of the Commonwealth of Kentucky Commissioned him a Kentucky Colonel and the Bell County Judge Executive appointed him an Ambassador of Bell County. Jimmy joins a group of Ambassador’s from Bell County. United States Ambassador George Staples, his wife Jo Ann live in Fourmile and their daughter Catherine is a graduate of Pineville High School. Ambassador Staples has served honorably and had a great career in the Foreign Service for 26 years, including his service as the Director General. Dale Ann Bradley is a musical pioneer unique to the mountains of Southeastern Kentucky. She graduated from Bell County High School and has never forgotten where she is from in her travels across the world. A five time International Bluegrass Music Association Female Vocalist of the Year! She is known the world over as the “Daughter of Bluegrass Music”. Jimmy Rose follows some pretty big footsteps for the Ambassadors of Bell County but he is up to the challenge and has already succeeded in calling the nation’s attention to something that matters, coal. Let your heart dream, let your mind roam, it doesn’t matter where you are from, you can impact the world. Jimmy know that Dorton Branch is very proud of you. Home will always be across the railroad tracks, but remember as you travel that you are an encouragement to all that you are aware of, and them hundreds of thousands that may never have a chance to say thanks. My personal prayer for you is that “you will always see sunshine through the rain and a rainbow behind every cloud”. Until then

Your time, my time, HIS TIME

Listening to the radio this past week I heard an announcement about “Back to School” events. Information about teachers reporting back, first day for school to begin for students and their return to the classroom. In that moment of listening it struck me totally funny because I had just been thinking to myself that I was happy, summer was here! I am not sure if there is credit to be given for being behind the time, especially since summer is really just about over. Maybe I could give myself credit if I kick it in high gear and catch up to where the rest of you are in the current calendar rather than in my personal clock of thinking. At the beginning of 2013 I was writing about how fast everything was moving, and now six months into the year I am like stuck in a time warp. I know the month, and the day. I know that things are happening around me, and I am participating in some of those things too. I have been experiencing the weather from rain and storms to sunshine and sunburns. Yet, I find myself in a season where I am just here, watching, observing, listening as life clicks each second. I don’t feel sad or depressed. I am not lonely or discouraged. I have been laughing and honestly I am laughing and enjoying life with so many things while in this time warp. I have been traveling and speaking at different organizations, conferences, festivals and church services, which I enjoy. I love meeting people, and sharing my stories of life and speaking is perfect for me. As I type this column I am trying to figure out how it is that I have missed summer and or how I am going to catch up before fall arrives and enjoy these days personally. Having just typed the word personally I am thinking to myself “I am and have been enjoying myself”. I am smiling thinking now about my cuckoo clock. Not sure if you have one but I do. Mine I have in honor of my great-grandparents Nasby & Elizabeth Jackson Mills. Theirs was always just a little off, as is mine. You need to adjust it every day, attempting with each correction to keep the time up-to-date. Maybe that’s it! I’m just a little off….if that didn’t bring a smile to your face then you are missing some of the simple things in life I am enjoy at this moment. Laughing at yourself can be a big time if you celebrate the moment. I am going to choose to celebrate that moment, the next one that occurs, and the next one and next one, until there are no more here on earth. With a cuckoo clock not only are there timing adjustments that need to be made, but depending upon the clock, you will need to pull the weights up so the clock will stay ticking. With my cuckoo clock it will run for two days without a chain reset. I thought about purchasing another clock that would go for a week but I opted for the one requiring more constant attention. Maybe that is the solution for my thought situation. I am just thinking about things every other day…ok, I am smiling again, another moment that I am going to celebrate to the fullest. Me here just every other day, I am pretty sure some folks are saying “yep, Timbo slice” that is you…and they are smiling, all of course in good humor. I think I just landed on the answer. Yes, I know I did! Oh, I love these moment…yes, I am smiling, and another moment I am celebrating. In this column I’ve had three personal celebration moments to celebrate to the fullest. Yes, I know the answer. The answer is that while you may be well aware that summer is over and I may just be getting up to speed, that is A.O.K. too. There is no competition moment where I need to be where you are, nor you where I am on all things. Life is a journey that we all travel at on different speeds. Life is a journey where we each make moves a different times. Life is a journey where we must each make the best of what we have. No keeping up with the Jones’ attitude required to live life and make the best of yours. There is something about a relationship with Jesus Christ that I have discovered gives me peace. While my timing schedule is different from yours, and while my response maybe slower than everyone else’ or maybe I am ahead of the game of life and everyone else is wondering where I have gone, I am right on time if my life is seeking to do His will, and I am living to bring Him honor and glory. Finally the answer to summer or fall. I just need to be on time with Jesus to get thing right. Until then

The Prayer of Jabez

One of the great joys of my life is having the opportunity to travel and speak. I appreciate the the groups, organizations, that invite me to speak at conferences, and the seminars I conduct on leadership, using your talents to as you are, and the various themes that I am asked create a motivational message for. Sharing from my experiences throughout life I actually consider a part of my personal responsibility. I figure if I have been given the opportunity for the experience it was given to me to share with others. Learning from ourselves and our personal experiences is a sure way for us transparent with others. 1 Chronicles 4:10 is a scripture that may not jump out at you as a familiar verse of scripture, but if I write that this is the Prayer of Jabez, would you then say that rings a bell? The Prayer of Jabez has been written about and spoken about in thousands of different venues. Scripture records the prayer as "Jazeb crying out to the Lord God of Israel, Oh bless me and enlarge my territory". This prayer is amazing because of its simplicity and vision. The Bible says that to whom much is given, much is required. Jabez was someone who scripture records as honorable and serving others with his resources. (blessings) I have shared many times in messages that the most abled individuals are not always used because to the benefit of the Kingdom of God. Truth is that He uses the willing. It is sad when individuals with so much to give do not share. When I write give I am talking about themselves, their talents, their skills and resources. To often when someone hears resources the only thing that comes to mind is money. Money is a resource but you sharing your time, experiences, giving advice from your life is the most valuable resource. Jabez prayed and asked God to bless him and to enlarge his territory. Today in our communities there are so many needs that are easily visible. I believe one of the reasons people do not get involved is that because they fear they will end up meeting the need with no one else volunteering, and they very well maybe right. The heart of the issue is not that other should join us, or that they will, the heart of the matter is that we have an opportunity individually to make a difference and we should do are part. Even better I would say if no one sees what you have done. Your motives could easily been clearly judged for genuineness. Authentic Christian lives are the key to both making a difference and for seizing the opportunity. Jabez prayed for God to "enlarge his territory". I have heard quite a few people in ministry throughout my 30 plus years I have heard ministers describe their ministry as small and even some defend that fact and imply that a small ministry verses large ministry wins out over large. I personally don't believe The Lord Jesus Christ is pleased with that attitude at all. Each has it's place in service to the King of Kings and it is sad when that this truth is not understood. Small ministries can be extremely productive. If your ministry is reproducing itself in leaders that are going out from where they have been nourished and discipled then you are following the Great Commission and your ministry is to be commended. Large ministries are capable of also sending out missionaries and reproducing themselves. They are also capable of pooling together resources for massive projects and ministries throughout the world. Each uniquely gifted and both large and small ministries have a place in the Kingdom of God. Both types of ministry settings should be supportive of each other and there should be cooperation from both sides helping the others in His name. There is much to do in the name of Jesus. What about praying for God to bless you and enlarge your territory? Until then